UN experts say M23's 'reign of terror' in DRC must end

Since its resurgence in 2021, the M23 group has taken control of vast tracts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has major reserves of gold, tin and coltan, and has been plagued for three decades by conflict involving a plethora of countries and armed groups.

"Rapes, gang rapes, violent assaults and killings of civilians are a common feature of M23's modus operandi," the experts said.

"While these crimes are not exclusive to M23, the number of individuals affected is staggering and must end."

They noted that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had reported more than 90,000 cases of sexual violence related to armed conflict there in 2025.

M23, they said, had "established a de-facto system of authority in territories under its control in which arbitrary arrest and detention, torture (including sexual torture), forced labour and forced armed recruitment are being used to exercise control over the civilian population".

Locals had also reported "abductions, arson and blackmail", the experts said.

People arbitrarily arrested were being jailed in overcrowded and unsanitary "unofficial" prisons, where they were systematically deprived of food, water and medical care, the experts continued.

Inmates recounted "repeated physical violence including daily beatings" and said several had died in custody.

In many cases, detainees were only released if their relatives paid, said the experts.

They called for a thorough investigation of the "unacceptable" violence, insisting that all parties to the conflict should respect international law and protect civilians.

They called for a resurrection of the moribund US-mediated ceasefire signed in December 2025 between the Rwandan-backed M23 and the DRC government.

The deal includes a provision for US industries to gain privileged access to the eastern DRC's vast mineral wealth.

The experts, who are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the UN itself, said they were in contact with the governments of the DRC and Rwanda.